The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) last week in Vientiane Capital, to enable the seasonal employment of Lao workers in South Korea.
China to Cancel Covid Quarantine Requirement for Inbound Visitors
Taking a major step towards easing its border restrictions, the government of China will allow inbound travelers to enter the country without Covid-19 quarantine starting from 8 January, according to a statement from the Chinese National Health Commission.
MDIS Opens New Intake for Globally Recognised MBA Programme
To help local and international graduates better meet rising job market demands, MDIS announces the opening of three intakes for their 2023 MBA programme awarded by the University of Sunderland, United Kingdom
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 27 December 2022 – The Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS) is opening its admission window for their Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme in 2023 come January. The Master’s degree will be awarded by the University of Sunderland, UK and is aimed at graduates in pursuit of senior roles within commercial and public sector organisations.

Local and international degree holders looking to obtain an MBA from one of Singapore’s oldest not-for-profit professional institutes for lifelong learning can enrol in either one of their three upcoming intakes: March, May/June, September.
Applicants must be at least 19 years of age and have a relevant degree, or an equivalent professional qualification. Those currently in senior roles but do not possess a formal academic background can also apply for the MBA programme; such applications will be considered by academic judgement.
The Advantages Posed by an MBA Today
According to the Winter 2021 NACE Salary Survey carried out in the United States of America, the Class of 2021 MBA graduates are projected to receive average starting salaries of US$87,966, 11.3% higher than that of their 2020 counterparts, and between 22% to 40% higher than business Bachelor’s degree graduates. With the market continually filling up with a wide array of business-related certifications, it is evident that the MBA continues to stand out in spite of the influx, likely due to its innate credibility and unique blend of core theory and practical skills.
MBA graduates in and beyond Singapore can not only enjoy higher expected salaries, but also the futureproofing of their careers, the means to pivot professions to explore new industries or functions, a highly accelerated career path, and the expanded and more diverse network presented by global alumni communities.
The MBA is also increasingly being recognised among recruiters worldwide as a valuable credential for managerial positions and essential decision-making roles. As markets get increasingly competitive and employers become more demanding in hiring candidates with the appropriate skillsets, the MBA qualification can prove an invaluable asset for jobseekers looking for career opportunities and progression.
The 2023 MBA Programme by MDIS
The 2023 MBA programme by MDIS is curated to help professionals develop strategic management knowledge, core business competencies, and transferable problem-solving abilities. Enrolled students will also be familiarised with international management practices, development of effective business cultures, and various organisational performance enhancement strategies.
The course curriculum of this MBA programme will consist of six modules: Financial Management and Control; Strategic Management in an International Context; Professional Management and Leadership Development; Value Creation in Organisations – Managing Operations and Marketing; Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Technology Transfer; and the MBA Project.
Applicants can choose to opt for full-time or part-time studies, with the former entailing a 12-month programme and the latter being 18 months long. Study loans are also available for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, and can be obtained from TCC Limited, DBS Bank, or Maybank.
Hashtag: #MDIS
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About MDIS
Founded in 1956, MDIS is one of Singapore’s oldest not-for-profit professional institutes for lifelong learning. It offers internationally accredited courses in Business and Management, Engineering, Fashion and Design, Health and Nursing, Information Technology, Life Sciences, Languages and Education, Media and Communications, Psychology, Tourism and Hospitality Management, and Safety and Environment Management. These are offered in partnership with renowned universities in the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
For more information, visit their website here.
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Vietnam’s Internet Speed Affected by Undersea Cable Fault

Due to Monday’s technical issues with APG’s undersea connection and the ongoing repairs to two additional undersea cables, Vietnam’s internet speed will continue to be poor in the coming days.
Lao Police Seize Over 1,000 Kg of Cannabis in Bolikhamxay
Police in Khamkeut District, Bolikhamxay province, apprehended a truck transporting over 1,000 kg of compressed cannabis last week.
Spackman Media Group Artist Son Suk-Ku’s Latest K-Drama, BIG BET, Ranks First In The Drama Category Of Disney+ Korea
- Starring Spackman Media Group artist Son Suk-ku, BIG BET, took the top spot in the drama category of Disney+ Korea as of December 25, 2022
- BIG BET‘s number one ranking was confirmed by both Kinolights, an OTT integrated search and content recommendation platform, and FlixPatrol, which monitors streaming ratings worldwide
- The 8-episode K-drama premiered on December 21, 2022 and was directed by Kang Yoon Sung of the 2017 box office hit THE OUTLAWS, which was co-presented and distributed by the Group’s subsidiary, Novus Mediacorp Co., Ltd.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 27 December 2022 – Spackman Entertainment Group Limited (the “Group“), one of Korea’s leading entertainment production groups founded in 2011 by media & technology investor Charles Spackman, wishes to announce that K-drama BIG BET, starring Son Suk-ku of the Group’s associated company, Spackman Media Group Limited (“Spackman Media Group“), ranked first in the drama category of Disney+ Korea as of December 25, 2022, according to Kinolights, an over-the-top (“OTT“) integrated search and content recommendation platform in Korea[1].
The K-drama was also ranked as the number one TV show on Disney+ Korea as of December 25, 2022, by FlixPatrol, which monitors streaming ratings worldwide[2].
BIG BET is an 8-episode drama series, which premiered exclusively on Disney+ on December 21, 2022, and airs every Wednesday. Headlined by Spackman Media Group artist Son Suk-ku, Choi Min Shik, Heo Sung Tae, Kim Joo Ryung, Lee Dong Hwi and Jo Jae Yoon, it relates the eventful life of a man who gains success through the casino industry.
Directed by Kang Yoon Sung of the 2017 box office hit THE OUTLAWS, which was co-presented and distributed by the Group’s subsidiary, Novus Mediacorp Co., Ltd., BIG BET was produced by BA Entertainment, C-Jes Entertainment and Arc Media.
Son Suk-ku is set to star in two upcoming highly anticipated Netflix original K-dramas, D.P. Season 2 and MURDEROUS TOY. He is represented by SBD Entertainment Inc. (“SBD Entertainment“), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Spackman Media Group that represents and manages the careers of 12 artists. In addition to Son Suk-ku, SBD Entertainment also represents one of Korea’s rapidly rising young actors, Han Ji-hyun of popular K-drama THE PENTHOUSE 3, who won the Best Rookie Female Actor in the 2021 Brand Customer Loyalty Awards in Korea and endorsed luxury brand Gucci in April 2021.
Hashtag: #SpackmanEntertainmentGroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Spackman Entertainment Group Limited
Spackman Entertainment Group Limited (“SEGL” or the “Company“), and together with its subsidiaries, (the “Group“), is one of Korea’s leading entertainment production groups. SEGL is primarily engaged in the independent development, production, presentation, and financing of theatrical motion pictures in Korea.
The Company was founded in 2011 by renowned media and technology investor Charles Spackman who served as the Company’s Executive Chairman until 2017. For the past two decades, Mr. Charles Spackman has been a powerhouse in the Korean entertainment industry starting in the early 2000’s with the pioneering success of Sidus Pictures, the largest movie production company at the time and the first to be listed in Korea. Mr. Spackman is also the Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the global investment firm, Spackman Group. For more information, please visit http://www.charlesspackman.com and
https://spackman-group.com/charles-spackman.
Since its founding, SEGL had produced more than 30 major motion pictures including a number of the highest grossing and award-winning films in Korea, namely #ALIVE (2020), CRAZY ROMANCE (2019), DEFAULT (2018), MASTER (2016), THE PRIESTS (2015), SNOWPIERCER (2013), COLD EYES (2013) and ALL ABOUT MY WIFE (2012).
Our films are theatrically distributed and released in Korea and overseas markets, as well as for subsequent post-theatrical worldwide release in other forms of media, including online streaming, cable TV, broadcast TV, IPTV, video-on-demand, and home video/DVD, etc. Generally, we release our motion pictures into wide-theatrical exhibition initially in Korea, and then in overseas and ancillary markets.
The Group also invests into and produces Korean television dramas. In addition to our content business, we also own equity stakes in entertainment-related companies and film funds that can financially and strategically complement our existing core operations. SEGL is listed on the Catalist of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited under the ticker 40E.
Production Labels
SEGL owns a 100% equity interest in Studio Take Co., Ltd. (“Studio Take“) which produced STONE SKIPPING (2020) and THE BOX (2021). Its latest film, A MAN OF REASON, is set to be screened theatrically and digitally in North America in the first quarter of 2023 and at theatres in Korea in the fourth quarter of 2022 or first quarter of 2023. A MAN OF REASON premiered in the US at the 42nd Hawaii International Film Festival. The film was also invited to the 47th Toronto International Film Festival, the largest film festival in North America, and the 55th Sitges Film Festival, one of the world’s top three genre film festivals. Studio Take shall also release an upcoming film, THE GUEST, in 2023 tentatively.
SEGL owns Novus Mediacorp Co., Ltd. (“Novus Mediacorp“), an investor, presenter, and/or post-theatrical distributor for a total of 80 films (59 Korean and 21 foreign) including OKAY MADAM (2020), LONG LIVE THE KING (2019), MY FIRST CLIENT (2019), ROSE OF BETRAYAL (2018), THE OUTLAWS (2017) and SECRETLY, GREATLY (2013), which was one of the biggest box office hits of 2013 starring Kim Soo-hyun of MY LOVE FROM THE STARS (2013), as well as FRIEND 2: THE GREAT LEGACY (2013). In 2012, Novus Mediacorp was also the post-theatrical rights distributor of ALL ABOUT MY WIFE (2012), a top-grossing romantic comedy produced by Zip Cinema. In 2018, THE OUTLAWS, co-presented by Novus Mediacorp broke the all-time highest Video On Demand (“VOD“) sales records in Korea. For more information, please visit http://novusmediacorp.com
The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Greenlight Content Limited (“Greenlight Content“) which is mainly involved in the business of investing into dramas and movies, as well as providing consulting services for the production of Korean content. Through the acquisition of Greenlight Content, the Group’s first co-produced drama, MY SECRET TERRIUS, starring top Korean star, So Ji Sub, achieved #1 in drama viewership ratings for its time slot and recorded double digits for its highest viewership ratings. Greenlight Content was one of the main investors of MY SECRET TERRIUS.
The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Simplex Films Limited (“Simplex Films“) which is an early stage film production firm. The maiden film of Simplex Films, JESTERS: THE GAME CHANGERS (2019), was released in Korea on 21 August 2019. Simplex Films has several line-up of films including HURRICANE BROTHERS (working title).
The Company owns a 20% equity interest in The Makers Studio Co. Ltd., which plans to produce and release four upcoming films, the first of which will be THE ISLAND OF THE GHOST’S WAIL, a comedy horror film.
Talent Representation
The Company holds an effective shareholding interest of 43.88% in Spackman Media Group Limited (“SMGL“). SMGL, a company incorporated in Hong Kong, together with its subsidiaries, is collectively one of the largest entertainment talent agencies in Korea in terms of the number of artists under management, including some of the top names in the Korean entertainment industry. SMGL operates its talent management business through renowned agencies such as SBD Entertainment Inc. (Son Suk-ku, Han Ji-hyun, Park Keun-rok), MSteam Entertainment Co., Ltd. (Son Ye-jin, Wi Ha-jun, Lee Min-jung, Ko Sung-hee, Lee Cho-hee), UAA&CO Inc. (Kim Sang-kyung) and Play Content Co., Ltd. (Hwang-hwi). Through these full-service talent agencies in Korea, SMGL represents and guides the professional careers of a leading roster of award-winning actors/actresses in the practice areas of motion pictures, television, commercial endorsements, and branded entertainment. SMGL leverages its unparalleled portfolio of artists as a platform to develop, produce, finance and own the highest quality of entertainment content projects, including theatrical motion pictures, variety shows and TV dramas. This platform also creates and derives opportunities for SMGL to make strategic investments in development stage businesses that can collaborate with SMGL artists. SMGL is an associated company of the Company. For more information, please visit http://www.spackmanmediagroup.com
The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Constellation Agency Pte. Ltd. (“Constellation Agency“). Constellation Agency, which owns The P Factory Co., Ltd. (“The P Factory“) and Platform Media Group Co., Ltd. (“PMG“), is primarily involved in the business of overseas agency for Korean artists venturing into the overseas market. The P Factory is an innovative marketing solutions provider specializing in event and branded content production. PMG is a talent management agency which represents and manages the careers of major artists in film, television, commercial endorsements and branded entertainment.
Strategic Businesses
The Company also operates a café-restaurant, Upper West, in the Gangnam district of Seoul and own a professional photography studio, noon pictures Co., Ltd.
For more details, please visit http://www.spackmanentertainmentgroup.com/
Green Technology Metals hits major lithium recovery milestone
Hashtag: #GreenTechnologyMetals
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Of Dreams & Knowledge (Asia) Presents A Solution to Boosting Mood, Immunity and Skin

A Solution that Helps the Body Feel Better Everyday
Without the use of synthetic nutrients, the Pomegranate Concentrate series utilizes the whole pomegranate from peel to seeds and arils — extracting all the nutrients for a carefully calibrated formula. In fact, the pomegranates are cold pressed under vacuum to guarantee that all the beneficial ingredients remain intact and bioavailable. Through this method, the active ingredients that aid in boosting the body’s natural responses maintain its integrity. The result is a wonderful solution that benefits the overall health and well-being of those who consume it.
Energizing the Body for Good
Take the Fermented Pomegranate Concentrate + Vegan Calcium and Potassium, for example. It is naturally enriched with calcium, potassium and iron, key components that aid in the development and maintenance of strong bones. Each bottle is chock full of natural Lactobacillus and rich in Omega 5 fatty acids too. As far as functional foods go, this particular iteration is great for managing fatigue symptoms as well as for those who have low hematocrit levels and high blood pressure. From adults to children alike, the benefits of this plant-based food is wonderful for improving gut and brain health.
The Pomegranate Concentrate with Vegan Curcumin + Vitamin D3 is a potent ally to good health as well. Not only does it contain the nutrients of around 25 high-quality organic pomegranates, but it is also enriched with Vitamin D3, uplifting the total immune response in the body. These functions enable it to treat inflammation, muscle recovery and boost the immune system, making it great for granting better physical activity. The anti-inflammatory properties also help with reducing skin irritations. What’s more, it has been proven by nutritional scientists (after 3 human clinical trials) that it is 185 times better bioavailable than anything on the market currently.
Lastly, the Pomegranate Concentrate with Vegan Vitamin B12 and Iron offers a synergistic combination of unique health benefits, making it an excellent mood booster. Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in energy production, metabolism, and cell production while Iron facilitates red blood cell formation to optimize oxygenation throughout the body. Thus, this product is both energy-boosting and beneficial for skin cell reproduction.
Easily Integrating into Daily Life
With most supplemental health solutions, there often lies the risk of missing out a step from time to time. However, MILESTONE® products are made to be a sustainable practice that are easily integrated into daily life. For instance, simply consume the formulas directly or add the recommended daily portion of the Pomegranate Concentrate (10ml) as part of your breakfast smoothie or juice.
Hashtag: #Dreams&Knowledge
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Of Dreams & Knowledge (Asia)
Established in 2013 in Patras, Greece, Of Dreams & Knowledge is driven with the aim to create the most innovative and powerful liquid functional foods that are able to adapt to and target an individual’s unique set of genes. Functional health foods elicit the most positive response to promote optimum balance. This in turn allows the human body to address all health issues and concerns.